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Grapes in South Africa

Think of South Africa and you will probably also think of wine. But the story behind wine is, of course, about grapes: a popular fruit in their own right in South Africa as well as the vital foundation of its 350-year-old wine tradition. In demand throughout the year, farmers look to the scientific community to help protect grape trees from pests and maintain the great taste, color and appearance which customers demand.

The Challenge

Burger Valentin, a manager at the Irene farm in the Western Cape, finds growing grapes a challenging undertaking. “When spring comes, the mealybug comes. It can take out the whole vineyard – the whole harvest. All of our grapes could be infested with mealybugs if we didn’t use crop protection products. About half of our land has a problem with mealybugs.”

The Solution

Plant scientist Chirene Jelbert says it is a constant challenge to protect grapes from pests and diseases. “Every year there is a new challenge. Just as you solve one problem, another comes along. My job is to make things easier for farmers. We develop chemistry that can help farmers to protect their crops in a sustainable way.”

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Farmer Hero

Name: Burger ValentinYour work: Grape farmerWhat inspires you: I love working with people and being in the nature. How do you relax: When the harvesting season is finished and me and my wife go on holiday, the first thing we do when I buy our groceries is to buy a pallet of grapes.

“It's a great privilege to do what I do, to work with nature.„

Science Hero

Name: Chirene JelbertYour work: Plant scientist, Bayer Crop Science Do you like grapes: I have a sweet tooth, I can eat grapes the whole day. What inspires your work: We are a growing population and we need to feed everyone!

“Take an apple. If there wasn't crop protection, you'd cut off almost 70% of that apple. „